This cardamom banana bread is so soft & fluffy, packed with yummy banana flavors & warm spices, and topped with a buttery cardamom streusel. It comes together quickly and bakes up beautifully, so whether you need an additional item on your brunch table or a cozy Sunday morning breakfast, you guys are going to love this banana bread!

Why you will love this cardamom banana bread

  1. Soft & fluffy texture. This banana bread bakes up into a tall & fluffy loaf that is so moist and airy.
  2. Warmly spiced. In addition to all that yummy banana flavor, we also add cinnamon & cardamom to really enhance the flavor profile. The combination of the warm spices, banana, and streusel are *mwah* chef’s kiss!
  3. Cardamom cinnamon streusel. A streusel is basically a buttery, crunchy topping that is sprinkled on top of the batter and baked. It is crispy, warmly spiced, and makes every bite even more delicious.

Ingredient notes

  • All purpose flour: all purpose flour is the flour of choice for this cardamom banana bread. It makes for the perfect soft and tender crumb.
  • Baking soda: we use baking soda to give the banana bread that perfect rise.
  • Spices: ground cinnamon and ground cardamom are used to add that yummy warmth to the banana bread.
  • Salt: salt is just as important in baking as it is in cooking! Salt enhances flavor, so omitting it would definitely make a difference in the final result.
  • Unsalted butter: unsalted butter is the butter of choice so we can control exactly how much salt goes into the recipe.
  • Granulated sugar: the sweetener of choice in this recipe – used in both the streusel and the banana bread.
  • Eggs: acts as a binding ingredients and adds moisture.
  • Yogurt: adds moisture to the banana bread. I used Greek Yogurt, but regular works, too!
  • Bananas: of course! We need 2-3 bananas to really pack in that banana flavor.

See the recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients & their quantities.

Recipe summary

Below is a condensed version of the recipe steps. See the recipe card at the end of this post for the full recipe instructions.

  1. Make the streusel. Whisk together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cardamom. Pour in the melted butter and mix until it resembles wet sand.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients. Add the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom to a bowl and whisk until combined.
  3. Beat wet ingredients. Beat together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat. Then add the yogurt and mashed bananas and mix.
  4. Combine. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until a batter forms.
  5. Bake. Pour the batter into a 9×5 inch loaf pan and top with the streusel. Bake at 350F for 50ish minutes.
  6. Enjoy! Once cool, top with powdered sugar. Slice and enjoy!
How should I store banana bread?

Any cake-based dessert tends to dry out quickly, so try to enjoy within a day or two! It’s best kept at room temperature in an airtight container.

Do I need to add the streusel?

Of course not! While delicious, it’s not required.

Why did my banana bread sink?

Loafs typically sink from over-mixing or under-baking. Ensure to mix the batter until it just comes together, and use the toothpick method to see when the banana bread is finished.

Baking in grams

I rely on gram measurements when testing recipes because they offer the highest level of accuracy (and less cleanup!). Unlike volume measurements, which can vary, grams provide a reliable and consistent standard. I carefully test all of my recipes using this kitchen scale, therefore I cannot guarantee the outcome when using volume measurements. However, volume measurements are available in the recipe card.

Other banana recipes you may like

Have you tried this recipe? I would love to know how it turned out! Leave a star rating & review below and tag @sturbridgebakery on Instagram so I can see photos & videos of your yummy bakes! Want to save this recipe for later? Tap the heart button on the right side of your screen!

5 from 4 ratings
Yield: 8 slices

Cardamom Banana Bread

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Author: Jess Italiano
This cardamom banana bread is so soft & fluffy, packed with yummy banana flavors & warm spices, and topped with a buttery cardamom streusel. It comes together quickly and bakes up beautifully, so whether you need an additional item on your brunch table or a cozy Sunday morning breakfast, you guys are going to love this banana bread!
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Ingredients
 

Streusel

  • 1/3 cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup (84 grams) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Banana Bread

  • 2 cups (250 grams) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup (80 grams) plain yogurt, greek or regular works! room temperature
  • 1 1/4 (about 3 medium-sized bananas) cup (250 grams) mashed banana

Instructions
 

Streusel

  • Whisk together the granulated sugar, all purpose flour, cinnamon and cardamom. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand. Set aside.
    1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2/3 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Banana Bread

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and cardamom. Set aside.
    2 cups all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, or a large bowl if using a handheld mixer, beat together the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until lighter in color and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat on medium speed until combined, scraping down the bottom and sides of the bowl if necessary.
    1/2 cup unsalted butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Add the yogurt and mashed banana and beat on medium speed until combined. Add the dry ingredients and beat on low speed until a batter forms.
    1/3 cup plain yogurt, 1 1/4 (about 3 medium-sized bananas) cup mashed banana
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and top evenly with the streusel. Bake for 45-60 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Let cool in the pan, slice and enjoy! Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
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